William Robert Bates

William R. “Billy” Bates, 43, Altus, passed away at his home Saturday, October 30, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 5, 2021 at Kincannon Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Altom officiating. Burial will follow services at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

William Robert “Billy” Bates was born December 28, 1977 in Altus, Oklahoma to John and Margaret (Ford) Bates. He attended Altus Public Schools and graduated Altus High School with the Class of 1996. Billy continued his education at the University of Oklahoma then, joined the family Bates Brothers farm operation. Billy was baptized into Christ at First Baptist Church in Altus. He was a big OU fan in all sports but especially OU Football, studying most of their stats and accomplishments. He was also big into sports stats in general. Billy cherished his time spent with his son Jack during his school activities.

Billy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Margaret Bates; Ray Ford; Manford “Swede” Steensgard; and his aunt, Sherril Rae Dawson.

He is survived by his parents, John and Margaret Bates; son, Jack Bates and mother, Billie Kay (Jackson) Bates; sister, Johna Worbes and husband, Roe and their children, Nolan Shelby, Brekyn and Bates; grandmother, Bonetta “Granny Jo” Steensgard; uncle, Joe Bates and wife, Debbie; aunts, Brenda Andrew and husband, Larry; Carolyn Perry and husband, Mark; Ranae Winters; Lori Ford Anderson; Susan Ward and husband, George; Sandra Maroul; and Sherry Adams and husband, Jerry; and a host of cousins and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Billy Bates to Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries, 221 W. Walnut Street, Altus, OK 73521. Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com.